16/06/2026
Pyogranulomatous Mastitis, Lymphadenitis and Thrombocytopenia
This dog was presented with a painful swelling of the right caudal mammary gland, markedly enlarged regional lymph nodes, fever, lethargy, and thrombocytopenia.
Given the extent of the lesions and the concern for systemic disease, surgical excision of the affected mammary tissue, enlarged lymph nodes, and severely enlarged tonsils was performed.
The presence of thrombocytopenia increased the risk of intraoperative bleeding. Therefore, advanced electrosurgical vessel-sealing and coagulation techniques were used throughout the procedure to achieve meticulous hemostasis and minimize blood loss.
Histopathology revealed severe pyogranulomatous and suppurative inflammation affecting the lymph nodes and tonsils. Special stains showed no evidence of fungal organisms, parasites, or acid-fast bacteria. While the exact underlying cause remains undetermined, the findings are consistent with a severe systemic inflammatory or infectious process.
This case highlights the importance of evaluating mammary gland swellings carefully, as they may represent only one manifestation of a much more widespread disease process.